Votes go to politicos who excel: Goa CM

A leader is remembered for the good work he does, Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar said on Wednesday, adding that people vote for politicians who perform.

Parrikar said this while receiving the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year award in the politics category for being the architect of the BJP's win in Goa, and “successfully selling the agenda of hope in a state that was used to a despairingly low level of politics”.

“Usually, politicians get a bad name,” Parrikar said. “But people also remember good work and credit the leaders who do it.”

Chess grandmaster Vishwanathan Anand received the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year-2012 award, in addition to another one in the sports category. When asked to comment on the way he beat many youngsters to the award in the sports category, he quipped, “I am not old yet.”

Cardiac surgeon Dr Devi Shetty, who runs the world's largest and most economical heart and health care institute — Narayana Hridayalaya, was given the public service award.

Dr Yusuf Hamied received the award in the business category for running medicine firm Cipla profitably.

Irrfan Khan received the entertainment section award for his performance in Paan Singh Tomar and Life of Pi. The lifetime achievement award went to the Indian soldiers of Rezang La, 1962, for making a heroic stand to save a Ladakhi village during the Indo-China war.

Boxer MC Mary Kom, scientist Tessy Thomas, actor Aamir Khan, and the Satyameva Jayate team were given special achievement awards.